Watch Against Division
By M. E. Cornell
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN CHRIST:—We have now passed by the great prophetic way-marks, until we can see clearly that the loud cry of the last message, must soon go forth. So many lines of prophecy centre right here, that there is no chance for doubt. When this last loud blast of the gospel trumpet is given, probation will end, and the eternal decree go forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; he that is righteous let him be righteous still." The destiny of all will then be irrevocably fixed! Satan knows this; and of course he will devise every means to deceive and draw away the elect, before they get beyond his reach. The church have watchmen set, and the Lord says, "Let him declare what he seeth!" We look! and behold Satan busily engaged with his agents. He seems intent upon deceiving the elect if possible. His only hope of success now, is to divide the body; Therefore he now puts forth every effort to accomplish this object. As God's watchman, we give you the warning. While we see this sword (division) coming, we must give the alarm. Therefore we now say in the name of our Master, Watch! Guard against this fatal snare. The Lord's hand has been set to the work of gathering the remnant, and it has been done right. Glory be to his name! While God's faithful servants have toiled on year after year, with all patience, Satan has tried all the way along to stop the work; but it cannot be done; for it is of God. And now as the light of present truth is set on the mountain-top, and the attention of all is about to be called by the loud cry of the third angel, Satan is rallying for the final conflict. He watches the little remnant while they are preparing to confront the world. He hears the command to them, "Set yourselves in order for battle!" These words strike him with dread; for he knows that if this little army once got into order, and are united, he cannot break their ranks. Therefore he determines that he will hinder the work. He says to one, "There is no need of order;" to another, "The work is all wrong from the beginning and you had better begin anew;" to another, "The time has not come to draw the line of Gospel Order." If these suggestions will take effect, he knows he will gain the time; but let the watchman cry, Order! Gospel Order! Union! Gospel Union! until the remnant stand firmly united, and prepared for the final struggle, having every door closed against Satan. He now works through agents. O then be united and be decided! "And seeing ye know these things before, beware! lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus; "and the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." Amen!
Your servant in Christ for the truth's sake.
M. E. CORNELL.
Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 2d, 1854.